The Danube cycle path
Europe's 1st long-distance cycle route
The Danube Cycle Path runs from the source of the Danube near Donaueschingen in Germany to the Black Sea and is therefore part of Eurovelo 6. Every cycling enthusiast should have cycled the section from Passau to Vienna at least once in their life. It is no coincidence that this classic route is voted the most popular cycle route by the ADFC every year. The cycle route, which is completely car-free and flat, offers a succession of scenic beauties (Schlögener Schlinge, Wachau, southern slopes of the Bavarian Forest and the Vienna Woods, the Donauauen National Park and much more).
The Danube Cycle Path also offers plenty of cultural attractions. The top sights include the three-river city of Passau, Linz - Capital of Culture 2009, Melk Abbey and the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gourmets also get their money's worth on the Danube Cycle Path. Viennese cuisine with its famous apple strudel and the region's excellent wines are a culinary delight - there is something for everyone.
A cycle tour along the Danube is a special experience - culinary, cultural and always close to nature!
The Danube Cycle Path mostly runs along both sides of the Danube, but sometimes only on one side, meaning that the Danube has to be crossed several times during the cycle tour. It follows an ancient Roman road along the Danube limes, which connected the stations, forts and fortresses as far as the Danube delta. This was known as the Danube Route or Via Istrum.
➡ HERE are the most popular sights ⬅
➡ HERE you can find day bike hire along the Danube in Passau and Linz ⬅
TOP sights on the Danube
DOM ST. STEPHAN
Passau
St Stephen's Cathedral is considered the largest baroque church building north of the Alps, the organ is the largest of its kind in the world with 17,974 pipes. The cathedral was built on the highest elevation in the old town between the rivers Inn and Danube, 13 metres above the Danube and 303 metres above sea level.
BARGE TRIP ON THE DANUBE
Zillenverleih beim Witti - Be your own captain on the Danube, with a Zille through the natural wonder of the Schlögener Schlinge! The Witti family in Freizell rents out their own zillas. Between the Jochenstein and Aschach power stations, the famous "Schlögener Schlinge", numerous castles, ruins, beautiful gravel beaches, but also steep slopes and charming villages await you along a river length of around 35 kilometres. You don't need a boat licence for the Zillen trip, but will receive detailed instruction.
PÖSTLINGBERG & BASILICA
Linz
At 539 metres above sea level, the Pöstlingberg is Linz's local mountain. At the highest point of the Pöstlingberg, the parish church and pilgrimage basilica - the landmark of Linz- can be seen from afar. The baroque Roman Catholic pilgrimage church with its twin towers was completed in 1748. There are two excellent restaurants there. From Linz's main square, you can easily and conveniently reach Linz's local mountain with the Pöstlingberg railway.
LINZER TORTE
"What are all poets' words against a Linzer Torte!"
(Ernst von Wildenbruch)
This popular pastry is probably the best-known ambassador of the Danube city of Linz and is unique with its latticework. Although it is known in many countries around the world, it simply tastes best in its homeland. It is the oldest known cake in the world. It was mentioned by name in a countess's cookery book as early as 1696.
MELK FOUNDATION
The Benedictine monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the landmark of the Wachau. A varied programme of guided tours is aimed at visitors from all over the world - with different thematic focuses. Guided and individual tours include the Marble Hall, Imperial Corridor, Abbey Library and Abbey Museum. The Altane - the connecting balcony between the Marble Hall and the library - offers a magnificent view of the Danube Valley. The collegiate church, which can also be visited without a guided tour, is considered a masterpiece of high baroque architecture. Precious frescoes and paintings as well as the magnificent high altar invite you to linger.
DÜRNSTEIN
Known as the "Pearl of the Wachau", Dürnstein with its striking "blue tower" is one of Austria's most famous Danube communities. The charming location, the Kuenringers and not least the imprisonment of Richard the Lionheart make Dürnstein a famous excursion destination. The old town centre with its narrow alleyways, restaurants and souvenir shops attracts visitors from all over the world.
ART MILE KREMS
With a variety of museums, galleries, art and music festivals, the Krems Art Mile offers an extensive cultural programme. Over a distance of one mile, visitors have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of contemporary art forms in a historical setting. The Krems Art Mile stretches from the Minorite Church across the Museum Square to the Dominican Church. Eight institutions are located along the Art Mile, including the Caricature Museum for satire, comics and cartoons and the Kunsthalle with its international exhibition centre for contemporary art.
THIS YEAR'S VISIT
in the Wachau
In Austria, a Heuriger is a place where wine is served. There are several in the Wachau. It is worth taking a look at the Heurigen calendar, which tells you which Heuriger is open and when.
By the way: the difference between a Heuriger and a Buschenschank lies in the fact that hot food can also be served in a Heuriger.
GARDEN CITY TULLN
See, hear, taste and feel gardens - the garden city of Tulln allows you to experience greenery with all your senses. On a total of 550,000 m², you can experience well-tended natural and green landscapes in the centre of the city that are 100% organic. Tulln was honoured as Austria's first "Nature in the Garden" city in 2009 for its ecological awareness.
STEPHANSDOM
Vienna
Vienna's landmark is one of the most famous buildings in Europe and is today the most important Gothic building in Austria. With a length of 107.2 metres and a width of 34.2 metres, it has four towers. The most famous bell of St Stephen's Cathedral, the Pummerin, is the second largest free-swinging church bell in Europe.
SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE
Vienna
The former summer residence of the Habsburgs impresses with its imperial state rooms and its palace park, which invites you to discover and relax. Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth all lived here. Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical significance, unique layout and magnificent furnishings.